Hundreds flee as fire rages in southern France

Around 200 firefighters battled a forest fire blaze at Southern France on Thursday. The fire rage at southwest of Montpellier that forced about 400 campers and residents to flee involved 800 firefighters at the height of blaze, the fire service said.

Last month saw blazes across southern France, which is experiencing a particularly hot and dry summer. (File/Photo)

A forest fire raged in parched southern France on Thursday, forcing 400 campers and residents to flee, firefighters said. The blaze has been contained after ravaging 500 hectares (1,250 acres) of pine forest and bush 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of Montpellier, the fire service said. Some 200 firefighters were still battling the blaze, with strong winds expected during the day. “Today’s weather conditions call for the greatest prudence,” the fire service said. At the height of the blaze 800 firefighters were involved.

Last month saw blazes across southern France, which is experiencing a particularly hot and dry summer.